Webcam Vs Camcorder – Which One Should I Buy?
INTRODUCTION
Recent model camcorders can be used as a webcam, but are webcams and camcorders the same? If you take a webcam vs camcorder, which is better, in terms of image quality and performance? Most people have these doubts and if you’re one among them, then come along with me to know the answers.
Here, I will be explaining what a webcam and a camcorder is, their use cases and what are the main differences in their features. So, let’s get started.
Note:
I have given a bottom line for the features where I feel one is better than the other for a strong cause. For factors that don’t have a bottom line, it means it’s up to you to take it as an advantage/disadvantage depending on your needs.
That was just a piece of note; let’s get into the article.
WEBCAM vs camcorder?
Both camcorders and webcams are a type of video camera devices. In case of a webcam it is a small digital device that will stream images/videos over the internet.
They are mounted on to the user's monitor, or even found built into your computer hardware itself. However, the integrated webcam found in laptops shows poor video quality, that is why people prefer purchasing a dedicated webcam to use in their video conferences and business meetings.
Camcorders on the other hand are another type of video cameras (combination of video camera and a video recorder) that are mainly designed for videography.
WEBCAM
CAMCORDER
COMPARING THE FEATURES OF WEBCAM AND CAMCORDER
Power
Webcams don’t have their own power supply connection, so they draw the required power from the device it is attached to.
However, camcorders have built-in battery slots and run on battery packs which can be recharged using the appropriate AC adaptor or USB cable.
Picture Quality
Generally the picture quality of a webcam is poorer than a camcorder. But these days we have big giants in Webcam industry like Logitech C920 webcam & Logitech Brio webcam, which show a very good performance.
So, let's see the difference in picture quality in terms of use case.
For YouTube vlogs:
Remember, webcams are built solely for chatting purposes and online business meetings. There are recent model webcams that show a 4k 60p resolution. I agree, but still, when you compare its video quality to a Canon XA50 or even a Sony - HDRCX405 camcorder, the results are not that satisfying.
Also, I prefer a camcorder for recording videos because; if you use a webcam, you have to use any online video recorder and later polish the videos in post-production.
In the other case, if you will be using a camcorder instead of a webcam for vlogging, then the amount of time you have to spend on post-production will be far less. This is because the best video recorder cameras/camcorders guarantee the best quality footage even while recording. And then, as you know, camcorders are built for videography mainly!
For use in video conferences:
For this, webcams are the best because you don't have to mount a camcorder on a tripod and then start your video conference. Rather plug in the webcam to your monitor, and the rest will be taken care of by the webcam itself.
That too, when you're in a lowly lit room, a webcam is very useful. Especially models like the Logitech C920 webcam & Logitech Brio webcam performed well in my low-light tests.
I found no grains in the display, and also, the softness issue I noticed while using a camcorder didn't happen here.
Bottom line: A webcam is the best for your personal use, like chatting with your family or holding an online business meeting. They are also useful when you don't have any additional lighting equipment and just have to depend on the natural daylight.
But if you're traveling or doing professional videography, go for a mid/high camcorder to get the best results.
Note: Most low-budget camcorders don't show a great performance of a webcam also, so while purchasing a camcorder, if you will be, then check out the camcorder specs in detail.
Convenience
Camcorders are standalone devices, which means they don't require additional items to work. However, that's not the case with a webcam. You need a computer/laptop to plug your webcam; only then will it work.
Even if you're not satisfied with the camcorder's in-built mic, you can still purchase an external mic of your choice and use it with the camcorder. Overall, camcorders are more versatile!
Live Streaming Facility
Webcams by nature itself can live stream videos over the internet. They can switch to Twitch, Zoom, YouTube and many more apps. You just have to plug the device on your monitor and start using it.
In the case of camcorders, you can live stream videos on Twitch, Zoom, YouTube, or whatever platform you like. Yes, all the recent model camcorders (that have Auto Shut Off (A.Shut Off) option) can be used as a webcam.
You just need to follow the below-mentioned steps to get that done:
- Plug the AC power adapter into the camcorder.
- Connect one side of the video cable to the A/V jack of your camcorder.
- Now, Connect the other end of the video cable to the VIDEO IN jack on your computer.
- Switch on the camcorder.
- Turn on the computer.
- Run the Webcam application to be used.
“If you have any doubts regarding this setup, you can take the help of the registered software manufacturer.”
Price
The average price of a webcam ranges between 30$ to 160$. My suggestion is to pick a webcam above 80$ if you wish to get a good video quality without any noise or over-image softening issues.
In par, the average price of a semi-pro to professional camcorder will range anywhere between 300$ to 2000$. There are also models worth 5000$, which are used for professional filmmaking and things like that.
WANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOPRO CAMERA AND A CAMCORDER AS WELL?
Then, you can check my article gopro vs camcorder article.
FAQ
1. Can you use a camcorder as a webcam?
Yes, you can. The main advantage of purchasing a camcorder is that it can be turned into a Webcam when needed. To achieve that, kindly follow the steps mentioned above.
2. Which one is better in low light, Webcam or Camcorder?
As per my test with a Logitech Brio webcam and a Sony - HDRCX405 camcorder, I found that when shooting in situations where you don't have any artificial light source, the Logitech webcam performed far better than the video camera.
CONCLUSION
After you’ve read this article, I hope now you’ve got a better idea of what to buy. In my opinion, for training webinars, for video conferences or chatting with family, a webcam is the best.
But for taking professional YouTube vlogs or making a tutorial video, a camcorder is the best because it is a 2-in-1 device (can be used as a camcorder or as a webcam).
Now, it’s up to decide which is better for you. If you found this article useful and informative, please leave a thumbs up in the comments section to be an encouragement for me to share more informational content with you. Thank you for reading, Good day!
